Turkish police stop Pride marchers in Istanbul

Police in riot gear blocked streets to try to thwart gay Pride marchers in Istanbul on Saturday.

They were scuffles as streets leading to Taksim Square, the traditional gathering point for demonstrators on the city's European side, were blocked by officers.

The Cumhuriyet newspaper said at least 25 people were detained.

Authorities have banned Istanbul Pride events since 2015, citing public security, and more recently, COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.

IMAGE: AP